We were overwhelmed by their research, dedication and enthusiasm in this excellent presentation to salute America, its rich history and all the Armed Forces.McKevett School continues to demonstrate a very patriotic learning program and community enrichment for its students. We especially wish to acknowledge and thank McKevett School principal Ms. Sheryl Misenhimer, second grade teachers Mrs. Laurie Berger, Mrs. Amy Holloway and Mrs. Katrina Steiner. Also big thanks to Mrs. Terria Duran, Mrs. Donna Nelson, Mr. Alfred Buenrostro and Mr. Jim Steiner.Although their presentation was titled Salute to America, we would like to salute the McKevett School second graders. Thank you.Jerry Olivas, CommanderMercer-Prieto VFW 2043Santa PaulaSpirits liftedTo the Editor:Santa Paulans, Have a GOOD DAY!I had that greeting five times today while running errands at the shopping center.First stop, Dollar Tree clerk greeted me with a smile, it’s a great day.Then on to CVS Pharmacy where a clerk offered me help on selecting a one-a-day pill calling over the pharmacist to suggest some, then cashier said Have a good day; on to Round Table Pizza where they combined two of my lunch cards so I got a free pizza, then while leaving, have a great day. On to Kragen’s auto store for help on finding a driveway cleaner.Again, have a great day.Thank you all for lifting my spirits and putting me in a good mood.I love this small town where traffic drivers slower, always plenty of parking spaces, a theatre with seven shows playing, new specialty restaurants opening up, monthly activities, good plays and concerts at SPTC although I wish for hearing devices, and banks and post office all within two miles.Smile and the world smiles with you, cry and you cry alone. Have a good day!Earli May RandallSanta PaulaGood compromiseTo the Editor:The compromise struck by the city and Cabrillo is probably better than continuing the litigation and stand-off indefinitely into the future, though I believe the Appellate Court would have voted to uphold the city’s position, and not the position taken by CEDC and their lawyers. Councilman Gonzales may have had this in mind when voting “no” Monday night. And re-naming the project is smart on Cabrillo’s part.Let’s hope the city can now move forward with other projects, be they residential or commercial, projects that create real long term jobs and revenue for the city, rather than imposing more drain upon city finances. On balance, Santa Paula’s Council is to be applauded for its vision and commitment - how refreshing! Now on to “bigger” and better things for SP like seeing the wastewater treatment plant finished and on line.Think what a mess we’d be in if Fagan Canyon had not been stopped. Centex would have been forced by economics to quit the canyon, probably after tearing it up mightily by re-grading, roads and utility lines, and maybe putting up few sticks. Whew! Close call!On behalf of those who sponsored the stopping referendum - you’re welcome!Richard MainSanta PaulaDeserving studentsTo the Editor:It has been a great pleasure to work on the Avon fundraiser with several of the Isbell 8th grade students heading to Washington, D.C. this Friday. What a fine group of young boys and girls. Very smart, pleasant to work with and very courteous.I wish all of you a fabulous trip! You deserve it. Be safe and have fun!This is my 16th year working with students trying to earn money for Washington and I feel so proud to see them leave and look forward to some postcards! We are very proud of all you have accomplished to earn the right to go.Mrs. Susan MontoyaAvon Rep (19 years)Santa Paula
Letters to the Editor
June 19, 2009
Opinion
Santa Paula vs. State of California
To the Editor:The State wants our tax dollars NOW! I hear you Mayor Ralph Fernandez, Police Chief Steve MacKinnon, Supervisor Kathy Long! More budget cuts from the State could cut deep into all of the Santa Paula city services and the budget for our schools. I think our city council knows our predicament - we are in a desperate situation and can’t afford any more holes in our pocket. Some sanctuary cities in our state are breaking their own financial backs with hospital services, prison and welfare for illegals. The State of California wants their hands in our pockets too; Cabrillo development already has their hands in our pocket.On the 15th our city council will be voting on another possible big tax drain for Santa Paula, Plaza Amistad (tax exempt development) this could increase the need for more city services for police, fire, and schools. My question is, can Santa Paula afford another financial drain at this time? I trust that our Santa Paula City Council will keep this in mind when they vote. Does the city have another $400,000 to give Cabrillo, with no stings attached like the last time?David KaiserSanta PaulaFond farewellTo the Editor:Wally you will be missed. You have done more for this town, in the short time you have been here, than ANY OTHER City Manager we ever had. I have been here since 1937, and have seen all of them come and go, since we went to the City Manager system.Congratulations on your marriage and also on your new job. Best of luck to you and your new bride, Patrice.Wayne Allee Santa PaulaA caregiver’s look at alternativesTo the Editor:Any revision of our healthcare system should provide for long term care, especially for at-home care. Home healthcare is far better and costs only a fraction of institutional care.My wife and I have been married for 52 years. For the past seven, I have served as her home caregiver because she has Alzheimer’s disease. I hire an aide about three hours a day; the remaining 21 are mine. Despite incontinence and confusion, we get along and are almost certainly happier than most. Margaret is neither angry nor afraid. We pay for her care by withdrawing from traditional IRAs and thus incur substantial taxes. Our government spends hundreds of billions annually on institutional care where our seniors are drugged and strapped into wheelchairs. Yet we receive exactly nothing to offset the costs of keeping my wife at home. Does this make sense or seem fair?Our prescription costs are high and my wife is now in the doughnut hole. Our AARP prescription plan recently quoted a “discounted” doughnut hole price of $406 for 80 generic Plavix pills. I purchased 100 identical generic pills from NorthWestPharmacy.com in Winnipeg for $80, and this company is also in business to make a profit. The pills were shipped postage paid from Switzerland. I can furnish a copy of the receipt. These are among other reasons why I support a sensible public health insurance alternative to compete with our current “free market” tragedy.Opponents claim that the President’s plan is unwieldy and even socialistic. What it really offers is opportunity for choice. Those who wish to keep their present private plan will be free to do so and those who wish an alternative will have one. What is more American than that? We are small business owners. Delton Lee JohnsonSanta PaulaProper disposal of the American FlagTo the Editor:The Santa Paula Veterans of Foreign Wars Mercer-Prieto Post 2043 would like to remind the Santa Paula community of the proper method of disposing of the American flag. The disposal procedure is in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code ‘Retiring Old and Worn Flags’.“The Flag may be mended when torn and cleaned when dirty. It should not be hemmed to the point that its measurements are no longer in proportion.” “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” The flag should be burned in a private setting at a non-public location according to the Flag code.Our VFW Post point of contact for Flag Disposal is former Post Commander Mr. Bill Florio (805) 933-5560. You may also contact Scoutmaster Mr. Shaneyfelt of Boy Scout Troop 304 at (805) 933-9504.We encourage and remind all Santa Paulans that the Flag may be flown every day, not just on those special days. Thank you.Jerry Olivas, CommanderMercer-Prieto VFW 2043Santa PaulaMcKevett School Salute to AmericaTo the Editor:The Santa Paula Veterans of Foreign Wars Mercer-Prieto Post 2043 would like to commend the second graders from McKevett School for their Salute to America presentation during June 10-11, 2009.
